Once you've converted your mixed number to an improper fraction, simply multiply your fractions using the same method as you would regular fractions. To convert 2 and ¼, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator and put that over the existing denominator:ģ x 2 = 6 + 1 = 7 would be 7/2 2.
If you start with two or more fractions that are each comprised of a whole number and a fraction, you’ll need to convert them to improper fractions. While it's fairly simple to perform addition and subtraction operations with mixed numbers, you'll need to convert these into improper fractions-as we did above-to be able to multiply or divide them. For instance, 3 1/2, 4 5/8 and 2 2/3 are all examples of mixed numbers. Mixed numbers consist of a proper fraction and a whole number. 6/8 can be further reduced to ¾, so the final answer is: 3 and ¾. The amount left over after the division is 6 and will be the numerator and the denominator will remain as 8. 3 will be the whole number of the mixed fraction. Using our previous example: Divide 30 by 8 which is 3. To get a mixed number from an improper fraction, divide the numerator by the denominator. When an improper form is converted to a proper fraction, it becomes a mixed number fraction. Most math procedures will require an answer that is a proper fraction form-a fraction in which the denominator has a higher value than the numerator. Using the previous example, multiply the denominators:Ħ/2 x 5/4 = will give you a denominator of 8 3.
Multiply the denominators of the fractions together Multiply the numerators of the fractions togetherĦ/2 x 5/4 = will give you a numerator of 30 2.
To multiply improper fractions, you’ll use the same steps as you did for the proper fractions above but you’ll likely need to convert it to a mixed number fraction at the end. With this in mind, you should always convert a mixed number fraction to an improper fraction before multiplying. Dividing the numerator by the denominator of an improper fraction will typically give you a mixed number, however, improper fractions like 24/8, 36/9 and 12/3 will result in a whole-number answer. Improper fractions consist of a numerator that is higher in value than the denominator of the fraction.įor example, the fraction 25/12 is an improper fraction. Using the example from the steps above, the factor would be 2, so: To reduce, find the “highest common factor” of both numbers-a number that will go into both the numerator and the denominator evenly. Once you reach your final product, reduce it to its lowest terms. Using the previous example, here is the result:ġ/2 x 2/3 x 1/4 = will give you your numerator of 2 and a denominator of 24. The product becomes your new denominator. Multiply the denominators of the fractions togetherįollow the same method to multiply all of the denominators of your fractions. Here's an example:ġ/2 x 2/3 x 1/4 = will give you a new numerator of 2. Multiply all of your numerators together to arrive at part of your product. Line up the fractions you're working with horizontally across the paper. Multiply the numerators of the fractions together To multiply proper fractions, follow these steps: 1. Additionally, proper fractions are the fractions that you can convert to decimals, as they represent values that are less than one. Proper fractions are the typical values you think of when you hear "fraction." These fractions consist of a numerator that is smaller in value than the denominator.įor instance, the fractions 1/4, 3/8 and 9/10 are all examples of proper fractions. Each type of fraction requires a different multiplication method. There are three types of fractions: proper fractions, improper fractions and mixed numbers.
How to multiply fractions how to#
Related: Math Skills: Definition, Examples and How To Develop Them How to multiply fractions step by step In this article, we'll discuss different types of fractions and how to multiply them step by step with examples to help you feel confident in this math life skill. Understanding number relationships is also important for developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as the process of analyzing information, calculating values and processing solutions is essential in many types of job roles. This is especially true for jobs within specific industry roles like finance, accounting, bookkeeping and other roles where you'll rely on mathematics to perform on the job. From adding up the mileage to calculating your monthly budget, fractions play a large part in the basic everyday math you'll use throughout your career.
How to multiply fractions professional#
Fractions permeate many areas of professional and personal life.